There is a critical difference between a religious mindset and a Kingdom mindset. One example is that most people who claim to know the Lord and King are quick to ignore His Word when it comes to taking one another to the legal system. I don’t mean those who are of this world system, but those who are brothers and sisters in Christ. Ambassador Paul had this same situation in his time. When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers.

Citizens of the Kingdom of God trust the Lord God’s Word and don’t take his brother or sister before the ungodly for judgement! They trust His Word. To some, if not most, this is a hard pill to swallow. But if we are united and one in the Kingdom government, we should be able to settle any dispute that could arise among us. Read what ambassador Paul stated to those saints at Corinth: Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life. If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? But instead, one believer sues another—right in front of unbelievers!Yes, you read it correctly, citizens of the Kingdom will judge angels! And yes, we are being a bad witness to the world when we fight among ourselves!

Religious individuals apply the Word when it is convenient. Citizens of the Kingdom live and breathe by His Word. They don’t attend religious services, believing that is what keeps them in right-standing with the King, because they realize religious gatherings have nothing to do with their relationship with the King. Religious leaders take the Lord God’s Constitution as a foundation for their denominational doctrines, but add things that have nothing to do with Kingdom living.

To develop a Kingdom mindset, you must stay in His Word…read, study and spend time alone with the Holy Spirit (our Governor). They say “you are what you eat”; well you must eat—consume—the Word of God to become more like it. I do, and you can as well. It’s being consistent, even when you don’t “feel” like it. Once you develop a Kingdom mindset, you will find yourself becoming more sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit (Governor).

Keep this thought in mind: All of those who fail to obey and embrace His Word will not inherit the Kingdom. Ambassador Paul made it very clear: Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.

Let’s be clear, a Kingdom mindset is one that is void of religious rituals and focuses on the King and His Word. The person who possesses a Kingdom mindset isn’t being controlled by religion or its religious holidays and traditions but is led by the Spirit of the living God—the Holy Spirit. With a Kingdom mindset, we realize our whole being belongs to the King and nothing or no one comes before it—not food or sexual pleasure, nor any other earthly pleasure or addiction. ​Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! And don’t you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, “The two are united into one.” But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.Those whose minds haven’t been transformed into a Kingdom mindset—and that includes many Christians--are easily controlled by money, lust and power. They aren’t led by the Spirit, but by their selfish desires which often are focused on money, power over people, or some level of fame. It is far too easy, without a transformed Kingdom mind, to get our focus off the Lord Jesus and on to things of this world. King Jesus, while He was here on earth, made it very plain of your priority:“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.” Always remember, your greatest asset is your faith in His Word.

​~~W.R. Luchiewww.kingdomcitizens.orgThis article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you

It is important to know that culture manifests itself in several ways. Keep in mind that shared values are a defining characteristic of a culture and a nation. In other words, what we value reveals to others, who you are. Our values reflect our character. In essence, a value is a belief or conviction that is considered worthy in and of itself by a person or group. It is a standard or ideal that regulates conduct.

Values also relate to one's personal philosophy. Wherever you are from, your values will define your attitudes, behavior and worldview. Now, concerning the Kingdom of the Lord God, if you want to learn how to live in the culture of the Kingdom, you must learn the values of the Kingdom. Our Lord and King stated His value system at the very beginning of His public ministry while here on earth. One day as He saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around Him, and He began to teach them.

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

We, as citizens of the Kingdom of God, must show forth the Kingdom culture in our everyday life. That is why it is so important for every citizen of the Kingdom to consistently stay in the Word--the Lord God's Constitution.

That portion of the King's teaching in religious terms is known as the "Beatitudes" or "blessed saying". In essence, the Lord Jesus was describing the way Kingdom citizens should "be" in character, attitude and behavior.

All Kingdom citizens are filled with the Spirit of God--the Holy Spirit. It is that Spirit which causes them to become citizens. it is not from attending a religious service or school. It is the Holy Spirit that lives in them. By the way, the Governor, meaning the Holy Spirit, will always proclaim Jesus is Lord in the person who is filled with His Spirit. So I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God will curse Jesus, and no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.

The evil one, meaning Satan, will never proclaim Jesus as Lord. Only those who are filled with His Spirit will rightly claim Him as Lord and King of their lives.

Now, let's speak more on values! Remember, values are extremely powerful and they form the foundation for our behavior. They also guide the people of a nation in identifying what behavior is acceptable or unacceptable in their culture. Values are the anchors or borders in a culture. They maintain order as long as there is self-control. There was a time when this country that I reside in had Kingdom values and principles, but now they have surrendered to the evil one. When you are a citizen of the Kingdom of the Lord God's government, living in a corrupt society, your values will identify who you are by your very presence and actions. You will be a light shining in the darkness. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Values form the foundation of a nation and shape the lives of individuals on a daily basis.

It is our values that will cause us to stand out in any given society. Citizens of the Kingdom government have this one thing in common--the Holy Spirit. Ambassador Paul put it like this: The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.

Let's be clear, Kingdom citizens are of one mindset. They aren't satisfied with a religious institution, a church service. They worship the Lord God in Spirit and Truth, on a daily basis. And there is only one Truth and that is the Word of God.

When the Lord Jesus was praying to His Father, read what He said: "I have given them Your Word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth."

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me." Notice that He made mention that He had given His disciples His Father's Word.

It is His Word that transforms us into citizens in good standing. Again, we aren't of this world, but yet, we reside here and are to be great examples of Kingdom citizenship and Kingdom living.

Remember also, your faith in the King's Word is your greatest asset.

Matthew 5:1-12, 14-16 I Corinthians 12:3, 12-14 John 17:14-21 All NLT

~~W.R. Luchiewww.kingdomcitizens.orgThis article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you

​I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. NKJV Ambassador Paul was addressing his words to the men, as was the culture of that day. It is God's order for man to be responsible for teaching and instructing his family with the Lord God's Constitution. I truly believe that if a man doesn't have the knowledge and capability to teach his family God's Word, then he is not ready for marriage. Our culture has turned it upside down because too many men have abdicated that responsibility to women. Women have carried that responsibility as men were free to pursue the things of this world without consequences, so they think. Men, do you know the Word? You should always make it a priority to read, study and gain knowledge of His Constitution. Men today feel free to marry a woman with a good job, while they have nothing to offer and most importantly, no knowledge of God's Word. They aren't capable of leading themselves, let alone a family.

Remember, the Holy Spirit gives you power to live the life of a Kingdom citizen, as well as an overcomer in this present world. For those who have the Holy Spirit, you will notice that you become both Kingdom citizen and overcomer in your speech and the manner in which you live your life. That is because they stand and live by the King's Word. You become one with God's Word and it is manifest in your character and decisions. The Holy Spirit gives you power and authority to live this life in the Kingdom. The Holy Spirit takes that Word within you and gives you wisdom beyond your human understanding. He is the key!

We who are filled with the Holy Spirit are to teach others how to become a citizen of His Kingdom. Men, we must get our lives in God's order. You are called to lead--yourself, your family, and the community around you. There are no "free passes" in the Kingdom when it comes to your responsibilities and discipleship. Read what King Jesus said to His disciples before He left them: Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

By studying and being taught God's Word, you will be glorifying the King in your body. It was King David that made this statement: "How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

A citizen of the Kingdom is consistently listening to the voice of the Governor (Holy Spirit) for His direction. With experience, it becomes second nature. That is being transformed through His Word and it is an ongoing process. Ambassador Paul made this statement: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." NKJV

Remember I stated that it is the Holy Spirit that causes you to be a citizen in good standing? It is those who have that Spirit whom the Lord Jesus will return to. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. NKJV If you are filled with the Spirit of the Lord God, then you are glorifying the Lord in your body! The question is, how so? Because you are living and obeying God's Word, that is why He gave you His gift of the Holy Spirit. He stated: “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it isn’t looking for Him and doesn’t recognize Him. But you know Him, because He lives with you now and later will be in you."

Remember, your faith in His Word is your greatest asset in the Kingdom of God.

~~W.R. Luchiewww.kingdomcitizens.orgThis article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” When the apostles asked about restoring the government of Israel, this was Jesus' response: “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

As we know, being a citizens of the Kingdom isn't about attending a religious church service when the opportunity presents itself. It is about the power of the Holy Spirit. Once you have the Governor (Holy Spirit) living in your mortal body, you acquire boldness in speaking His Word, but not without guidance and leading of the Spirit. You have no consideration of your life and only for His Will to be done. For example, when the ambassador Paul was delivered from his old ways by the Lord Jesus the Christ on the road to Damascus, He made no hesitation to preach the Kingdom message. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”

All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”

Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. By the way, did you notice that I call him by the title ambassador? That is because an ambassador only speaks for his government, not anything or anyone else, not even himself.

When the Lord Jesus had the conversation with the woman at the well, she was of a different culture, yet she knew of the Jews worship and who they were looking for. “Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet. So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?” The conversation had nothing to do with religion or the Roman government. He didn't even have a discussion on the way she was living. “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her.

“I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied.

Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband—for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”

The woman was thirsty for righteousness, meaning the Word, but she had a carnal mindset. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.

The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”

Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

“But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water?

There are people you meet every week, hungry for the Kingdom and its message, but you fail to allow the Holy Spirit (the Governor) to lead and guide you to where you need to be. Don't do it on your own. Remember what He said to the woman. But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

When the Lord Jesus was praying to His Father, please keep in mind these words. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. Embrace His Word, for His Word is Truth. Keep in mind that the Kingdom is power, power to live right through the Holy Spirit. Your faith in Him gives you power to heal and overcome any challenge in this world system; but you must believe in His Word. That is Kingdom living.

In this three dimensional world, they call healing, miracles. Citizens of the Kingdom call it "Kingdom living". The King made it very clear: But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you.

Remember the demon possessed boy who had fits? Do you recall the situation and what King Jesus said to the disciples? When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd surrounding them, and some teachers of religious law were arguing with them. When the crowd saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with awe, and they ran to greet him.

“What is all this arguing about?” Jesus asked.

One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.”

Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth.

“How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father.

He replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” Notice that He stated "If you can only believe". There are so many things that can hinder our faith from operating on the Kingdom level. We must consistently stay in the Word and the environment that causes our faith to grow to that Kingdom level.

Remember, your faith in the Lord Jesus is your greatest asset in the Kingdom.

~~W.R. Luchiewww.kingdomcitizens.orgThis article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you​​

Those are the words that rang out from John’s heart and mouth. In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” His assignment was to introduce the King to the world and so he did. The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for Him!’”

Then came along King Jesus, after being tried and tempted by the evil one (the devil), repeating the same words. From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”Remember that the Lord Jesus is the only door and way to the Kingdom. Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. NKJV Note that the King compared people to sheep. Why? Because they are so easily led astray by others. Most people are easily led by individuals with money or are famous, but know nothing of their standards or what they truly believe. Just look around in your own country, wherever that may be. Watch how the people respond to those people who make the most noise.

Now, for those of us who are of a Kingdom mindset and a Kingdom school of thought; we follow the King’s commands and principles. Do you recall this lesson Jesus taught? One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’”

Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So, don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?”

Kingdom citizens rely on prayer and depending on His Word and promises. Citizens of the Kingdom learn not to “sweat” the problems and challenges of this world. We learn to live and follow the leading of the Governor (Holy Spirit). And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it isn’t looking for Him and doesn’t recognize Him. But you know Him, because He lives with you now and later will be in you. Those of us who are citizens of the Kingdom, know we are never alone. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.

Once again, I urge every one of you to make the Kingdom of God your top priority. In doing so, the crises of the world will not affect you at all. Remember what King Jesus said while He was here on earth:“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“So, don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.

“So, don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."

When the King speaks, it is not a subjection but a law. This operated in faith in Him. Need to build your faith? Read and study His constitution. You cannot have total faith in someone you do not truly know. It is by His Word that we will be judged.

When the Lord Jesus sent out His twelve disciples, He instructed them to say the same title and message. He gave the power and authority to represent His Kingdom government. He instructed them where to go and where not to go; what to preach, what to do, what to take and what not to take. He told them how to respond to those who refused their Kingdom message.

Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!

“Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.

“Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. When you enter the home, give it your blessing. If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing.

Notice that He never instructed them to condemn those that refused to listen, but He did say: If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day. “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.”Sheep don’t fight back, but often religious people do.

Kingdom citizens trust in the King’s Word. The King’s angels fight for His citizens. Do you remember ambassadors Paul and Silas? It was through faith, prayer and praise that set them free from their prison: Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”

Also remember, the King sent angels to assist Peter to leave prison:But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered.

So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening. They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So, they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him.

Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent His angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!”

Keep in mind, your faith in His Word is your greatest asset to operating in the Kingdom of God.

~~W.R. Luchiewww.kingdomcitizens.orgThis article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you​

Do you know your purpose in this world? Are you aware that the Lord Jesus left the Governor--the Holy Spirit--to assist you in your purpose? “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you." Did you notice that the Lord stated "If you love Me, keep My commandments" That isn't a suggestion, it is a command.

Without knowing your purpose, your life is an experiment or a haphazard journey that will result in frustration, disappointment, failure and working on someone else's dreams and assignments. The Lord Jesus compared them to sheep. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. The Lord Jesus looked at His nation as sheep. Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.”

People who aren't filled with the Holy Spirit and are not led by Him, are like sheep being led astray by anything that gets their attention and sounds good. He gave that comparison to His people: When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Without knowing your purpose and assignment, life is subjective, a trial and error game that is ruled by your environment, influences, emotions and momentary circumstances. Keep in mind, in the absence of purpose, time has no meaning. Energy, reason and life has no precision. That is why the King stated this: Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.

Your very birth begins and ends with a purpose. I must say that this principle evades most people, including religious people. Those who have discovered their gifting still don't take the time to see what their assignment is according to His constitution. To assist you in your thinking, the Lord God's purpose is His original intent in His mind that motivated Him to create you. For example, it was John's purpose and assignment to introduce the Lord Jesus to the world. The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.”

Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.”

Keep in mind that your purpose will identify your assignment. John's purpose was to introduce the King. His assignment was to baptize with water all those who believe. That is why he was called "John the Baptist". John the Baptist spoke highly of the Son and King, in reply to his disciples statement: John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.

“He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.” John the Baptist knew his purpose and assignment. He fulfilled his purpose.

Remember, your purpose is an integral part of your very being and your reason for existing; and when you are in it you will know that this is "what you were born for".

~~W.R. Luchiewww.kingdomcitizens.orgThis article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you

When Jesus the Christ came to this earth over two thousand years ago, He had only one message: From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near."

That message was the foundation of His Father God's purpose for restoring mankind back into right standing in the Kingdom government. In order for you to be in right standing in the Kingdom, and to be considered a son, you must be born again, of the Spirit. This is an answer that the King gave to a religious leader, Nicodemus. Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”

The Lord God chose a time that would be the appropriate time to send His Son. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Here is the essence of what I am saying: We should be proclaiming the Kingdom as our one and only message, as both Jesus and John did. John, His cousin, came on the scene stating that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand! In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness:‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.’ ” NKJV

The King, meaning the Lord Jesus, kept repeating those same words after He left the wilderness from being tempted by the devil. From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near...Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Gospel about the Kingdom. And He healed every kind of disease and illness.

The King made it very clear to His disciples what the message was. He made this profound statement to them: But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Gospel about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Notice He stated "this message of the Kingdom", not the message of Christianity or even the message of Himself--Jesus. He didn't send them out to preach about Him, but about the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven! So we are to be preaching and teaching the message of the Kingdom in these last days before our King returns! It started with the Kingdom teaching and it will end in that same frame.

The devil has deceived so many to spread other "gospels" such as the prosperity message. Those of us who have decided to spread the Kingdom message are in line with His Word. This will make some angry, but the church has been deceived by another gospel that was not the Gospel Jesus preached! We must wake up and get in alignment with the Words Jesus taught. The enemy doesn't care about you promoting prosperity, blessings or even healing. When it comes to preaching and teaching the Kingdom message, it is a whole different story. When we hear and embrace the Kingdom you will grow in the knowledge of truth. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Remember, those who receive the Kingdom message and understand it are those who are good ground. Be grounded in the Knowledge of the Kingdom. It is the same message that you will hear in these last days. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. NKJV

When we begin to spread the very gospel Jesus taught while here on earth, the devil and his demons take notice and rise up to stop it. They don't want our King Jesus to come back to this earth. Kingdom knowledge is power. When you begin to grow in the truth of Kingdom knowledge you do damage to the kingdom of darkness!

~~W.R. Luchiewww.kingdomcitizens.orgThis article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you

As I study the four Gospels and the activities of the lord Jesus and His disciples, I notice that all He did was focused on the children of promise. He was very direct that His Father sent Him to the children of Israel--the children of promise. Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.”

But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.”

Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.”

But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”

Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”

She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”

“Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.

The Gentile woman was very persistent with her request for her daughter. Even thought she wasn't of the nation for which the Lord Jesus was sent, it was her faith in Him that got His attention and caused her daughter to be delivered. “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed. As I have said many times, it is your faith in Him and His Word that will get the Lord Jesus' attention.

Even though His purpose was to restore the Kingdom to His nation, He couldn't ignore the faith she had in Him. Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.”

The Lord Jesus has a purpose and assignment for you from the very day you were born. I am a living example of that statement. In all my disobedience to His Word, yet He chose me to be His ambassador to His Kingdom. He saved and delivered me for His purpose and gave me an assignment. I am grateful and will never deviate from it. Have you noticed that the Lord passed that assignment to His disciples? The message never changed, neither did His purpose. One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. “Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes. Wherever you go, stay in the same house until you leave town. And if a town refuses to welcome you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.”

So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick.

Mark also wrote the same account of the Lord Jesus sending them out two by two with the same instructions. And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick—no food, no traveler’s bag, no money. He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes.

“Wherever you go,” he said, “stay in the same house until you leave town. But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.”

So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God. And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil. We must learn to be more observant to the four Gospels and the life of our King while He was here on earth. Reading the letters of the apostles is good, but studying the life of the King is a perfect example of how we should conduct ourselves. The Lord God's purpose for all of His children is to be walking examples of His Son, Jesus the Christ. Are you one of His children?

Before Saul became Paul, he was a serious persecutor of the believers in Christ. Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.

As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He even assisted in the murder of Stephen. Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.

Stephen was a Kingdom citizen, in good standing with the King. This is how he was able to speak so boldly to all of those religious leaders. “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! Name one prophet your ancestors didn’t persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. You deliberately disobeyed God’s law, even though you received it from the hands of angels.” When you know who you are in the Kingdom and you know who your Lord and King is and the rights you have as a citizen of the Kingdom of God, you will be bold. You will do what God has purposed you to do without fear and without doubt or uncertainty!

Regardless of your past transgressions and disobedience to His Word, if you call on the name of the Lord Jesus for your salvation, He will deliver you and show you your purpose and assignment. Look what He did for Saul: Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.

As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”

“Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.

And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!

Saul had such a notorious reputation that the Lord Jesus had to speak to another disciple concerning him. Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord!” he replied.

The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” Even after speaking to Ananias, he still had doubts, until the Lord Jesus gave him details concerning Saul's purpose. “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”

But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.

From that point on, Ananias followed the Lord Jesus' instructions. So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.

Remember, it is your faith that operates in the Kingdom, not your religious beliefs. Without faith, you will never fulfill God's purpose for your life.

~~W.R. Luchiewww.kingdomcitizens.orgThis article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you

We are living in an age where everyone can voice their opinion. Yes, we live in an age where many want to be heard for what they believe. The question that comes to mind is what is your foundation for what you believe? And do you live and act upon what you believe? In this day and age, there are many distractions that try to keep you from focusing on the Lord God's Constitution (Bible). Many claim they want the truth; some even go as far as to say what they believe is their truth, but have no solid foundation to sustain their belief. Truth is God's Word. Period. God's Truth is not ambiguous. It isn't vague. It is unchanging. When the Lord Jesus was praying to His Father God, He said the following, concerning His disciples: They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth. Just as You sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by Your truth. Keep in mind, that prayer covers all believers. I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as You are in me, Father, and I am in You. And may they be in us so that the world will believe You sent me. I have given them the glory You gave me, so they may be one as we are one.

Note that one of the main purposes in His prayer was for all those who believed in Him should be one. I know that one of the reasons the Governor (the Holy Spirit) led my wife and I to start this website was so that citizens of the Kingdom would have one mindset in line with the Lord Jesus and His Father God. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.

Believe it or not, it isn't enough to believe in the Lord God. Are you aware that the devil and his demons also believe in God and are afraid? You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. It isn't enough to give lip service to your beliefs. Your belief should be your lifestyle, and not your religious beliefs.

In the Kingdom, the Lord Jesus made it very plain that He didn't come to destroy men's lives but to save them. As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. So they went on to another village. Note that His disciples wanted to destroy those who rejected the Kingdom message. Again, notice the Lord Jesus' response: But Jesus turned and rebuked them. So they went on to another village.

When people reject the Kingdom message, move on. don't try to force it down their throats. Don't threaten. The Lord Jesus never did! Many religious leaders are rejecting the Kingdom, even though they mention it, they don't embrace it. Many even have it on the front of their church building. Yet is was the focus of Jesus' ministry. If you don't believe it, read the four Gospels and make note of every time He spoke of the Kingdom. He told us how to minister. See what He said to His disciples when He sent them out in twos: And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” NKJV

Remember what King Jesus said to the ruler Nicodemus. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

He never forced the Kingdom message on anyone, but He continued with His purpose and assignment from His Father God. Remember Kingdom citizens live and walk in the Spirit. They operate in the Kingdom by their faith in the King.

So, in this age of moral relativism and humanism, what do YOU believe? The only thing that will save you from succumbing to the world's ever-changing "truth" is to be anchored in the Lord Jesus and His Word. Don't allow the world to creep into your life and cost you the blessings of living in the Kingdom of God.

John 17:16-17; 20-22 James 2:19 Luke 9:51-56Marl 6:11 John 3:16-17 All NLT except where noted

~~W.R. Luchiewww.kingdomcitizens.orgThis article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you

​As I read and study the Lord God’s Constitution, I have focused on the writings and events recorded by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—the four Gospels. They record the Lord Jesus’ activities while He was here on earth.

One of the things that I have noticed is, they never mention the word race or color when referring to people. Also, throughout the four Gospels, Jesus never referred to His biological relatives as family. This is how He spoke of them: Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see Him. They stood outside and sent word for Him to come out and talk with them. There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.”

Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then He looked at those around Him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

Those of us who are of a Kingdom mindset, who have embraced Jesus as Lord and King, are family and citizens of the Kingdom of God. There are times when your biological family will be a distraction. His brothers and sisters were definitely a distraction, but He stayed focused on His message and purpose. One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon He and His disciples couldn’t even find time to eat. When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take Him away. “He’s out of his mind,” they said.

What I am noticing among African Americans in the United States is that they are embracing their color above the Lord God’s Word. They call it race, but in reality, it is culture and skin color. This is a serious deception of demonic spirits, keeping them from their Kingdom purpose. It is to divide the people of faith in the Lord Jesus. We are a spirit, living in a body made of dirt. Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.

The enemy of the Kingdom uses any means necessary to distract the Lord God’s people from embracing the Kingdom message: Social media, news, entertainment, music, religion, politics, family members, relationships, sex, money, etc. The list is endless. Our sole purpose is to focus on our King and Creator…to seek His Kingdom and do His Will. Read the last statement Jesus made to the devil in the wilderness. Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.

“I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.’”

Never allow yourself to compromise His Word with your opinion. Never allow your behavior to be a distraction to others. It is so important for you to stay in obedience to His Word. In this world of distractions, it is so easy to be misguided. Remember, while the Lord Jesus was here on earth, He was our perfect example of Kingdom living. Make it your priority to read and study the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John on a consistent basis. Allow the Governor (Holy Spirit) to guide you. Also, in times of crisis, he will be there.

“And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”

Build up your faith in Him through His Constitution (Word), because your faith in the King is your greatest asset.

​~~W.R. Luchiewww.kingdomcitizens.orgThis article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you

​While the Lord Jesus was being tempted personally by Satan, here was His response to each of the devil’s offers, “it is written…”, meaning that the Lord God’s Word is law. Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’”

Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”

Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. NKJV

In my You Tube sessions, the Holy Spirit (Governor) keeps me focused on His Word; because we live by His every Word. God’s Word is our life, our source, our nourishment. The Lord Jesus makes that point to the devil:“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” NKJV

Whenever I am attacked by those who have a religious mindset, I embrace His Word and speak as the Governor (the Holy Spirit) guides to say. This is what every ambassador should do when confronted, challenged or tempted. Never debate or argue. The Holy Spirit will bring to your mind what to say. The Lord Jesus made it plain when He sent out His disciples two by two.

“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

Keep in mind, it is based upon being full of God’s Word and having the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of you. This comes through obedience to His Word. Don’t just study and read His Word but also apply His Word to your everyday life. You should be a reflection of who the Lord and King is.

Never attempt to fulfill God’s purpose for your life in your own strength. You will fail every time. You may also cause others to lose faith in His Word through your self-efforts. The ambassador Paul made this statement to the believers at Ephesus: So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Always walk in wisdom. Focus on being guided by the Holy Spirit. Take time with Him alone. Make time for Him. The Lord Jesus made a point to take time with His Father God in prayer after feeding the five thousand men. One day Jesus left the crowds to pray alone. Only his disciples were with him, and he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”

There were many instances when the Lord Jesus left His disciples to speak with His Father. Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. He always kept in close communication with His Father. Shouldn’t we do the same, as citizens of the Kingdom and heirs with the Lord Jesus?

Remember, you have no ammunition to fight the enemy’s attacks and temptations unless you are filled with God’s Word and the Holy Spirit. God’s Word is the “bullets” and our Governor (the Holy Spirit) guides us. Always be loaded and ready to respond.

~~W.R. Luchiewww.kingdomcitizens.orgThis article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you

Many people join a religious organization in hopes of finding the Lord God. That is a fact of life. There are many who join a religious organization because pastors of a certain denomination tell them to. Others join because that is where their parents have always gone. Some join because they have the same religious mindset as that religious group. And there are those who are merely following the crowd. It is understandable that the Lord Jesus, our King, called the people “sheep”. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So, He began teaching them many things.

I remind you that the Kingdom of the Lord God has nothing to do with any religion or denomination. Read what the Lord Jesus said in answering the religious ruler, Nicodemus: Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” The Lord Jesus made it quite clear how to make the right connection to His Father. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. NKJV He said nothing about attending a synagogue or, as we would say today, a church. It was the religious who kept the people from embracing the Kingdom or entering it. “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either.”

Our Lord and King made it quite clear that there is only one way to come to His Father. Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”You don’t need a religious institution to help you reach the Kingdom. All you must do is accept the Lord Jesus, our King, for who He is and embrace His Kingdom. Remember, His righteousness is His Word. Seek that first. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So, don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

The Lord Jesus taught in the synagogue, but never did He attend for the sake of worshiping. Most churches know nothing about the Kingdom concept or its message. Yet that is the only message the Lord Jesus taught. He was obedient to His Father until His end of time on this earth. Religion has nothing to do with the Kingdom of Heaven. Sadly, the chances of you learning the Kingdom message in a religious institution today is slim to none. Why? Most pastors, evangelists and other religious leaders know very little about it. Most are too stubborn to learn or change their ways in fear of losing their congregation and offerings. Teaching the Kingdom message probably won’t get you rich. Teaching the Kingdom message is not a “great business opportunity”. Teaching the Kingdom is our calling, our duty. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece. NKJVAnd this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. NKJV

The Lord Jesus made these statements while speaking to the religious leaders of His day: “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things” … “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence!” Does that sound like the religious leaders of our day?

Is it your faith in man or your faith in a religion or even a minister that makes you strong? No!It is your faith in the Word of the King that is your greatest asset in the Kingdom.

~~W.R. Luchiewww.kingdomcitizens.orgThis article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you

A structure is only as good as the foundation it stands on. And a foundation is only as good as its substance. The foundation keeps you strong and focused. A foundation is that support that keeps you stable in times of life's challenges. The right foundation will help you stand strong, even through an "earthquake" of trauma and pain. What you truly believe in is the essence of your foundation. It is what you will stand on in times of trouble. While our King Jesus was here on this earth, He made this statement while speaking to both religious people and followers: “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”

Our foundation must be based on the eternal unchanging Word of God; not on an individual or another man's opinion. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. If you call yourself an ambassador of the Kingdom and mix your opinions with the Lord God's Constitution (meaning the Word), you are an ambassador that needs to be recalled. An ambassador of the Kingdom of God doesn't mix his opinion with God's Word to sway others to see his point of view. That makes a poor foundation. The Word of the Lord Jesus is the strongest foundation mankind can embrace. Ambassador Paul put it this way: For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.

Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.

All of these representatives and ambassadors of the Kingdom had a very strong faith in the King's Word. They had a foundation of great substance and strength. They all had a very strong hope in His promises. For example: Stephen, when the people and religious leaders prepared to stone him, this is what he said: “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! Name one prophet your ancestors didn’t persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. You deliberately disobeyed God’s law, even though you received it from the hands of angels.”

The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” Now that was a citizen of the Kingdom with a very strong foundation of great substance and hope.

Another one with a strong foundation was Paul, ambassador to the people outside the Jewish nation. Throughout his life for the King, he faced many tribulations, challenges, and disappointments--with both his nation and his brothers in the Lord. No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A strong faith in the King's Constitution will keep you intact when the evil one throws doubt in your path. In most cases it will come through those you most have confidence in. That is when you find out what your foundation is made of!

While our Lord, King Jesus, was on this earth, the religious people of His own nation wanted Him dead. Why? Because of what He claimed! The governor, Pilate, asked the Lord Jesus these questions: Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him. Note that he asked if He was king, not a religious leader of some new sect. But read His response! Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?” It was obvious that the religious leaders had mentioned that to Pilate. by the way, the only thing that Pilate the Governor was interested in was the word king; for there was only one king in that region and it was Caesar. “Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?”

It takes a focused mind to transform a religious mindset to a Kingdom mindset. The only thing that got Pilate's attention was the work king! Notice our King's reply. Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.” Pilate knew any other king in his nation would be in conflict with Caesar's. That is why the Lord gave him that reply. Pilate knew you could only have one king in one nation or country. So, he asked again: Pilate said, “So you are a king?” Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” Did you notice the Lord's answer? He didn't come to start a new religion. He was born to be a King. He was born to confirm His Fathers Words are Truth. The ambassador Paul had the right thinking when he stated: And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Ambassador Paul wrote that letter to the citizens of Rome, Kingdom citizens and believers everywhere.

To understand the Kingdom concept, you must first read and re-read God's Constitution. A transformation takes place with new thinking. Remember, the Kingdom of Heaven is a government, not a religious group or organization that can be debated on. Jesus is the door to the Kingdom. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.

There are many who believe in Jesus but fail to know of His Kingdom. He made it very clear. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

It was foretold by Isaiah, representative of the King and His government. For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!

​He is our King, not some religious symbol as some would like for us to believe. To truly understand the Kingdom, we first embrace the essence of the Kingdom concept. We must change our thinking through the Word. Read and study the Four Gospels. Transforming your mind. It is a process. Be consistent and persistent.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. NKJV

When the Lord Jesus sent His disciples out two by two, He gave them this command: Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” NKJV

That was Mark's account of the Lord Jesus' command. Dr. Luke made an account of the Lord's command to His disciples as well: Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece.

Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” NKJV

Keep in mind, while the Lord was here on earth, preaching and teaching the Kingdom Gospel, He at no time attempted to force it upon any person or group. In fact, in the country where He grew up, they refused to accept Him or His message concerning the Kingdom. Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. and when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. ​NKJV This is a classic case of becoming too familiar with those around you in your neighborhood and your family members. They refuse to see the change in your behavior while the process of change is taking place in your life. They fail to give you the respect and honor you rightly deserve. The Lord and King put it this way: Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.”

Keep in mind, no matter how your life changes when you embrace the Kingdom, there will always be some, if not many, that will still see you as that same person from years ago. They can't get past who you were to see how much you have changed. Because of that, they can't receive the Kingdom message you now preach. My advice to you is this: distance yourself and keep on being led by the Governor (the Holy Spirit). Stop trying to convince them of the Kingdom. Move on and allow the governor to lead you where He wants you to go. Here is an example of what I'm saying. I was raised in New York City. Most of my extended family and past friends are there, but when the King wanted to use me, He had to remove me from that environment. They would never see me as anything but the man I had been. By the way, I am still a work in progress. Pray for them, that the Holy Spirit will send someone across their path that will be able to introduce them to the Kingdom and our Lord Jesus the Christ.

The reason the people of Nazareth couldn't embrace faith in Him was because they viewed Him as one of them, and not who He really was. Because of that, the message of the Kingdom became ineffective to them. And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. Note what He didn't do! He didn't call down fire from heaven, as some preachers have done in their preaching. He didn't tell them that they were going to hell, even though that may be the case. He kept on with the Kingdom government message. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people. He was surprised at their lack of faith in Him. Those people were religious and went to the synagogue every Sabbath. It is the same behavior today. Many just want the religious feel good of a Sunday service without the responsibility of living the Kingdom principles all week.

Do not try to force anyone to embrace this Kingdom life and do not take it personally if they don't. Just put that neighborhood, city, or country behind you and keep on preaching and teaching the Kingdom message. There are many who will receive the Kingdom message. You have a perfect example in Jesus the Christ. He instructed us to do the same as He had. “Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. When you enter the home, give it your blessing. If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing. If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day.

Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves." So don't debate it; don't force it and don't get full of anxiety or angry because they refuse the Kingdom government message, just keep spreading it and keep moving forward. This gospel is available for everyone, but not everyone will receive it. You present to them this priceless jewel that is the Kingdom of God, they accept or reject it. Simply put.

Remember, your faith in the Lord Jesus is what operates in His Kingdom.

Citizens of the Kingdom should always be led by the Governor (Holy Spirit). Their attitude and behavior is quite different from the world. The Lord Jesus made this statement while speaking to a crowd that had gathered. “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven." When the Scribes and Pharisees did something it was to catch the attention of those around them. It is often the same today in religious circles, but on a much larger stage because of social media.

In those days, religious leaders, such as the Pharisees and Scribes, made their phylacteries. What was a phylactery? Two small, black, leather cubes containing a piece of parchment inscribed with Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Deuteronomy 11:13-21, and Exodus 13:1-16. One is attached with straps to the left arm and the other to the forehead during weekday morning prayers by Orthodox and Conservative Jewish men. Here are those verses: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

And it shall be that if you earnestly obey My commandments which I command you today, to love the Lord your God and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, then I will give you the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil. And I will send grass in your fields for your livestock, that you may eat and be filled.’ “Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them, lest the Lord’s anger be aroused against you, and He shut up the heavens so that there be no rain, and the land yield no produce, and you perish quickly from the good land which the Lord is giving you."

“Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth."

Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.”

And Moses said to the people: “Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out of this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten.

On this day you are going out, in the month Abib. And it shall be, when the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, which He swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall keep this service in this month. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the Lord.

Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days. And no leavened bread shall be seen among you, nor shall leaven be seen among you in all your quarters. And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, ‘This is done because of what the Lord did for me when I came up from Egypt.’ It shall be as a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the Lord’s law may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt. You shall therefore keep this ordinance in its season from year to year.

And it shall be, when the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to you and your fathers, and gives it to you, that you shall set apart to the Lord all that open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the Lord’s. But every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. And all the firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ that you shall say to him, ‘By strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. And it came to pass, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the Lord killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ It shall be as a sign on your hand and as frontlets between your eyes, for by strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt.” NKJV

They also wore large tassels, were fond of the best seats at banquets and the front seats in the synagogue. They also liked to be saluted in the marketplaces and to be called Rabbi by men. None of these things had anything to do with serving God or His people. We find many of the same behaviors in today's society. Only the clothes and material possessions have changed. The attitudes are the same.

In the early church, they supported one another with their physical and financial substance. They shared all things. All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.

For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles. These were the sons of the Kingdom. Do you hear about this same giving spirit in religion today? In your experience, do the church leaders live on the same level as their members? If not, do they sell their possessions and share with those in need? Would you consider some leaders thieves and robbers? “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." Those who are being deceived by those religious leaders aren't of His fold. Those are the ones who don't believe in the Kingdom message. But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

Those of us who are Kingdom citizens are one with the King because we follow and live by His Word. We are led by His Spirit (the Governor).

There was an occasion while He was teaching the Kingdom message that He was constantly being asked "are you the Christ?" Read what He said to them. “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” Many people today may attend a church but are void of guidance and leading by the Holy Spirit (the Governor). Why is that? The King and Lord made it very clear while He was here in this world. But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. Keep in mind, He was speaking of the religious leaders of His day. Nothing much has changed! Many are still focused on money, power and recognition. Why do you think many religious leaders wear the white collar or robes? They want to be recognized and separated from the rest of the people. Do you remember what the Lord Jesus said concerning the Kingdom? Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables.

Read what ambassador Paul said in his letter to the Roman believers: Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! ​ Even back then things were getting out of control. Their behavior was becoming unlike those who were filled with the Spirit. We must be consistently reading and studying His Word. By doing that, our mindset will change and be more like Him. Jesus was the Word made flesh, so if we are full of that Word, we cannot help but be more like Him! There is no such thing as reading God's Constitution once and all is done! You have to constantly keep the Lord God's Constitution before you. Ambassador Paul stated it like this: And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Believe me when I say, it will transform your life. It will allow you to stay focused on Him and His Kingdom.

Every citizen of the Kingdom in good standing is led and guided by the Governor--Holy Spirit. He will be with you forever. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it isn’t looking for Him and doesn’t recognize Him. But you know Him, because He lives with you now and later will be in you. Keep in mind, when it comes to the truth, you can't be misled while being filled with and guided by the Holy Spirit--the Governor. When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own but will tell you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future. This is the Lord Jesus speaking concerning the Governor. One mindset! Remember that religions are full of divisions, separations and chaos. Just the word denomination means in essence, "separation". If this weren't true, we wouldn't have churches on every corner, with less than 200 (or even 100) members, all doing their own thing. They all have many allegiances but the Kingdom government only has one and that is to the Lord Jesus. Remember, what the Lord Jesus said, "The Father and I are one." And He prayed to His Father: I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. Religion is not in the Kingdom, but is a separation from the Kingdom and seeks to divide God's Kingdom citizens.

Let's be realistic. Don't expect your biological family to embrace your new Kingdom mindset. There was a time when the Lord Jesus had to clarify His position on that subject. Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.”

Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Dr. Luke recorded it this way: Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they couldn’t get to him because of the crowd. Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to see you.”

Jesus replied, “My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.”

​There will be times when you feel all alone, and even feel abandoned by those whom you love. Remember though, that feelings and emotions are not truth and are temporary. Our King Jesus was in that same position. When you possess the same mindset, meaning a Kingdom mindset, you will become one with the Son and the Father. You will be on the same page, through the Holy Spirit. No one can ever snatch you out of His Kingdom. The Lord Jesus made that very clear in speaking to the religious leaders of His day. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.

Take a look into religious institutions and their denominations. They are all divided and separated by some tradition or custom. They are of a religious mindset; divided by the evil one (Satan). He wants God's people to be divided. Many religious leaders view the Kingdom concept as something new or strange. I don't understand why, because the minute the Lord came from the wilderness, His one and only message was Kingdom: From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”...And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. NKJV

Your Kingdom mindset will either draw people to you or drive them away because they refuse to accept it. Just shake it off and keep doing what you are doing. “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet." NKJV

Remember if they refuse the Kingdom message, they are rejecting you and the very one they claim to be serving. "Don't sweat the small stuff". Don't let it distract you. My wife and I live with a purpose, not for a purpose. We have learned to embrace the Words of the Lord God's Constitution. You can do the same. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Learn to acknowledge the King in all that you do, as we have. That is the strength of every citizen of the Kingdom. In order for you to trust Him, you must first learn to love and appreciate the work and obedience His Son chose to do for all mankind. This is what is expected of all Kingdom citizens. For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. Now, when you possess a Kingdom mindset, doing what the King requires becomes second nature. Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.

Remember, your obligation as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven is to the King only. Not to any religious tradition, leader, law or custom. Read the Lord Jesus' prayer to His Father: “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!

O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” ...."The Father and I are one.”

Religion divides and separates believers in King Jesus.

Remember, your faith in the Lord Jesus the Christ is your greatest asset in the Kingdom.

That is exactly what happened in the city of Antioch. While Barnabas and Saul were in that city, the people there started calling them by the name "Christian".

Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)

But that isn't who they were! They were given that name because they were followers of Jesus the Christ. By the way, Christ means the anointed One. Later the ambassador Paul gives some clarity in his writing to the saints of God in the city of Philippi. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like His own, using the same power with which He will bring everything under His control. Ask yourself this question: How do you define yourself? Even more, how do others define you? Do they define you by your occupation or how you conduct yourself? I recall the Lord Jesus asking His disciples that very same question: Jesus and his disciples left Galilee and went up to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, He asked them, “Who do people say I am?”

“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other prophets.”

Then He asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.”

But Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

When you go to your regular supermarket, how do the employees view you there? What reputation have you created? My wife and I know we stand out wherever we go. One reason is because I am "chocolate" and she is "vanilla". We look like opposites, in terms of skin tones. But that is only the first impression. Our behavior overrides that first impression because of the way we conduct ourselves in public. We understand what it is to be an ambassador of the Kingdom. There have been times that the Governor (the Holy Spirit) led us to give to an individual while we were shopping. Kingdom ambassadors are never "on" or "off". We are always on duty, representing our King Jesus.

When you are led of the Holy Spirit, you aren't like others. The Governor does all things to please Father God. By the way, we who are of a Kingdom mindset are a peculiar people. The ambassador Peter made this statement. But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light. Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.

By the way, that statement "who were not a people" refers to those of us who aren't of Jewish decent (Gentiles). John, the Lord Jesus' cousin, knew who he was and his purpose for being. In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”

Remember, John never called himself "John the Baptist". That is what he did. He prepared the introduction for the King. The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets:

“Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,Who will prepare Your way before You.”“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.’”John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” NKJV

John introduced the King and the Lord God confirmed it. It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” NKJV

John knew who he was and the Lord Jesus definitely knew who He was--the Son of the living God. He didn't need any man or woman to define Him. The same holds true for those of us who live by His laws and principles. We are Kingdom citizens, not a religious group labeled Christian. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Keep in mind, if those around you see you as a religious person, then you are displaying the wrong image. You were designed and defined by the Lord God, not any man or woman. Know who you are and walk in that knowledge!

"No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" These words were spoken by the Lord Jesus to His disciples and those around Him. The Lord Jesus was revealing a Kingdom perspective. A Kingdom perspective is one of total trust and confidence in the King and what He decrees. That total trust means that worry has no power or authority in getting your needs met. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Trusting in the King is our only solution. Then the Lord Jesus asked them another question: “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"

​As I have stated on many occasions, your greatest asset is your faith in the Lord God and specifically in His Son Jesus the Christ. He is the One who was obedient to His Father's command until the end of His time here on earth. As faith is your greatest asset, worry and fear are your greatest liability. You should never allow any situation, trial or problem to override your faith in Him or His Word. His Word is law and eternal life. Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life." His Word also cleanses us from all unrighteousness. How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. We must be aware of the power in obeying the King's Word. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

The Lord Jesus gave us our first priority: Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. ​Before we do anything else, we must first learn how to be obedient to His commands, submit to the guidance of the Governor (Holy Spirit) and learn our priorities. When you learn to trust in His Word, then and only then will you be free. Trusting in Him alleviates all fear. Death will have no consequence in your life. It will not cause you to fear anything. Death to the one who lives by the King's Word is a promotion to be where the King resides. The Lord Jesus made this statement. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. The ambassador Paul stated it this way: So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. Notice that he never said that heaven was his home.

In the United Sates, the focus is on entertainment. They spend billions to entertain others. They pay athletes millions every year to play sports. Actors and musicians are paid millions to perform for us and keep us entertained and occupied. And we pay billions to be entertained! Sadly, this entertainment mindset has spread to the church. Far too many churches today have become religious entertainment centers. Even smaller churches try to keep up with the "big guys" with wide screens, "mood" lighting and sound systems to draw in people and keep them entertained so they won't hop on to another church. All of that sensory-tickling input has nothing to do with the Lord Jesus' church. We are the church, not what goes on inside a building.

Misplaced priorities in the believer is when they claim to know the Lord yet refuse to obey and live according to what they have read in God's Word. God's grace is there when you fall short and are disobedient to His Word, but maturing and getting your priorities in line means you repent and turn away from the sin that so easily causes you to falter. Continuing in sin and disobedience, in essence, is failing to embrace the Kingdom and making it your first priority. When you live life choosing to sin, you are choosing not to embrace Kingdom living and the blessings that come with it. We do not need more preachers who can put out a great sermon and get lots of amens, but with misplaced priorities. We need walking, talking examples of Kingdom living. When people see you, they should want what you have so much that they ask you how to get it too. Then you teach them about the Kingdom of God!

I close with the words of instruction the Lord Jesus gave when He sent out the twelve: Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!

Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.

Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. When you enter the home, give it your blessing. If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing. If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day.

Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."

Once again, your greatest asset and top priority is your faith in the Lord God's Word (Jesus the Christ).

W.R. Luchie

Co-founder of Kingdom Citizens, along with his wife Arlene.​An ambassador of Christ, spreading the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.Living the victorious Kingdom life and encouraging others to do the same!